Learner driver in court over cyclist death

A MARRIED woman out for an early-morning cycle was struck and killed by a learner driver who was overtaking a cattle truck, a court heard.

Joseph Hanley, 26, of 5 Sycamore Drive, Bruff, yesterday pleaded not guilty at Limerick Circuit Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Carmel O’Brien, 49, at Uregare, Kilmallock, on August 17, 2007.

Mrs O’Brien had gone out for her morning cycle earlier than usual, as she and her husband planned to attend a nephew’s wedding later that day.